How a Cardiologist and a Pocket-Sized Device Averted a Heart Attack Mid-Flight: A Life-Saving Story

Dr. TJ Trad, a cardiologist from Oklahoma, had a surprising wake-up call during a recent flight. On his way home from a medical mission in Uganda, he was roused from sleep by his team, who urgently needed him.

A passenger was in distress, sweating and crying out in chest pain. When the man asked if he was going to die, Trad assured him, “Not today.” He recognized the symptoms well, having experienced a heart attack himself the previous year.

With medical supplies from his mission trip, Trad felt prepared. He had a pocket-sized ECG device, invaluable for assessing the man’s condition. This little tool, about the size of a credit card, has become vital for monitoring heart health since his own cardiac episode.

On a packed flight to Amsterdam, about three hours into the journey, Dr. Trad sprang into action. The patient rated his pain a solid 10 out of 10. Trad faced rising anxiety from the couple, especially the man’s wife, who anxiously questioned whether they should land immediately.

To calm the situation, Trad focused on reassuring the couple and managing the surrounding passengers. “You’re almost trained to be the captain,” he noted, highlighting how medical training helps in crisis situations.

He quickly transformed a section of the airplane into an emergency space. Using airplane pillows, he laid the patient down to help stabilize his condition.

After ruling out blood sugar or clot issues, Trad employed the ECG to check for signs of a heart attack and administered five essential medications. The situation was tense, as the clock ticked, but he maintained control. His training and personal experience guided him through this high-pressure moment.

The patient used the ECG, a KardiaMobile device, which transmitted necessary heart data to Trad’s smartphone app. Within 45 minutes of treatment, the man reported feeling better as his pain and heart rate improved.

Trad’s journey had a twist of fate. His own heart attack had delayed a previous Uganda trip, leading him to be on the same flight as the man he helped. “I believe everything happens for a reason,” Trad reflected, feeling a personal connection to the situation.

Throughout the flight, the airline crew, along with a nearby nurse, kept a close watch as the man remained stable. When chest pain recurred before landing, additional medication alleviated the discomfort.

Once on the ground in Amsterdam, the man and his wife expressed heartfelt gratitude. The flight crew had an ambulance waiting to take him to the hospital, where he was subsequently monitored for 12 hours. Thankfully, he was cleared of a heart attack or any severe conditions.

This incident underscores the importance of rapid and skilled response to medical emergencies. Trad’s proactive measures likely played a significant role in stabilizing the patient, which puts a spotlight on the need for training and preparedness among medical professionals and travelers alike.

The experience has been a poignant reminder for Trad about the resilience of life and the unexpected moments that can bring clarity and purpose. With every challenge, there’s an opportunity to learn and grow.